Kazakhstan-kyrgyzstan Tour - 10 Day Tour
About this tour
The tour starts in Almaty the former capital of Kazakhstan, with the discovering of the city’s main attractions as Panfilov Park with the Zenkov Cathedral, the WW2 Memorial and the Kazakh Musical Instruments Museum in it, Medeo gorge with Shymbulak Ski Resort, and covers the route to Issyk Kul Lake including such places of interest in Kazakhstan as Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes. Continues to the southern shore of Issyk Kul with all the main attractions, such as the Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Church in Karakol city, Dzhety Oguz Gorge and Skazka Canyon. Includes 2 days at Son Kul Lake which is reached over Kalmak Ashu Pass and all together 3 nights experience in a traditional Kyrgyz felt Boz Ui, or yurt with comfort. The tour ends in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, with the discovering of its main attractions such as Ala Too Square, Old Square and the Parliament Building, Oak Park and the Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Victory Square and much more to summarize all the natural, cultural, historical, authentic wealth and beauty of both republics!
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty International Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Arrival to Almaty. Transfer from the airport to the city. Depending on the time of arrival on the first day, start of the city tour – visits to Panfilov Park with Zenkov Cathedral and the WW2 Memorial and the National Musical Instruments Museum. Visit to the Green Bazar.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day in Almaty. In the morning, drive to Medeo Gorge to take a cable car up to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Return to the city and visit to the National History Museum and the Republic Square with Monument of Independence. In the evening, visit to Kok Tube Hill with the TV Tower by cable car.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan to Saty, Kazakhstan
Almaty – Charyn Canion – Saty village Drive from Almaty to Charyn Canyon first. The Canyon, with its thinly stratified red sedimentary rock, is said to resemble the Grand Canyon in the US; it is however smaller - 50 km from end to end. Hiking for 2-3 hours in the canyon enjoying the photo and video stops. After walking and lunch further drive to Saty village.
Day 4: Saty, Kazakhstan
Day at Kolsay Lakes After breakfast drive to the first of the three lakes, walking at the area of the lake and return to the village for lunch. After lunch drive to Kaindy Lake by UAZ/ PAZ to the area of Kaindy Lake, 2,5 km hike to the lake by itself. Late return to the guesthouse for dinner.
Day 5: Saty, Kazakhstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Saty village - Kegen border crossing from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan – Karakol town. Border formalities, meeting Kyrgyz team further drive to Karakol - visit an Old Russian Orthodox Church and mosque in Dungan style. Most surprising is that both the mosque and the church were built without a single nail or any metal cords. The builders used only wooden beams of the Tien Shan fir, elm and local poplar. Visiting of a Dungan Family for a traditional Dungan dinner.
Day 6: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol – Bokonbaevo over Dzhety Oguz and Skazka Canion. In the morning city drive from Karakol to Dzhety Oguz Gorge. Shepherds tell a lot of legends about the beautiful, famous, red rocks known as Dzhety Oguz "Seven Bulls" and it’s "Broken Heart" rock. In the afternoon further drive by southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake. Visit to Skazka Canyon – the Fairy Tale Canyon and the Ak Say canyons on the way. Meeting an Eagle Hunter and a hunt demonstration. Further drive to a yurt camp at the shores of Issyk Kul Lake near Bokonbaevo village. In the evening – Visiting of a handicraft workshop to take a participation in making a traditional Kyrgyz carpets – Ala Kiyz and Shirdak, listed as an immaterial UNESCO heritage.
Day 7: Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan to Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Drive from Bokonbaevo to Son Kul Lake over Kalmak Ashu Pass or 33 parrots Pass. During the summer, shepherds with their families stay at pastures in the area around Song-Kul Lake in traditional felt dwellings Boz Ui or yurts, grassing their flocks and herds of animals. At yurt camps meals are provided, yurts are heated at nights.
Day 8: Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Day at Son Kul Lake. Day at leisure. Optional activities: Swimming in the lake, short trek to Petroglyphs, horse riding (for an extra charge). At yurt camps meals are provided, yurts are heated at nights.
Day 9: Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast, transfer to Bishkek. On the way visit to the historical complex Burana Tower (11th C.) the remains of Karakhanid's empire in Central Asia. Upon arrival - Walking tour in the center of the city –Ala Too Square, the State National History Museum, Old Square and the Parliament, Oak Park and the Statue of Kurmandjan Datka (Kyrgyz Queen), the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Victory Square and Eternal Fire, ending at ZUM. Kyrgyz folklore program during the farewell dinner.
Day 10: Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan to Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast transfer to the airport. Flight home.
What's included
INCLUDES: * accommodation on twin base in hotels / Home stays / Yurts – 9 nights * entrance and ecological fees * Meals – according to the program (B – 9, L – 3, D - 5) * Mineral water (1 liter per person per day) * transport from arrival till departure by an air-conditioned tourist vehicle
EXCLUDES : * Single supplement * Alcohol drinks * All personal expenses * Fees for the video/ photography in museums * International flights * Folklore show in Bishkek - 70USD per group/ Eagle Hunting - 60USD per group/ Boat Ride at Issyk Kul Lake -100USD per group * German/ English speaking tour escort guide as per chosen option
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Almaty International Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan